Selena Gomez took a break from her 21st birthday festivities on Monday to chat with entertainment reporter Dean Richards via satellite, but she was clearly blindsided by a series of probing questions regarding her on-off flame Justin Bieber.
The on air chat was for Chicago’s WGN Entertainment network as their resident showbiz critic queried Selena Gomez about her troubled boyfriend.
Dean Richards, said: “You’re, you know, probably as close a friend to Justin Bieber as they come.
“Is there something about him that we don’t get or we don’t understand?
“I mean, there is one story after another of, you know, pretty outrageous behavior that we’re reading about.”
The line inquiry was in reference to Justin Bieber’s recent act of public urination as he defaced a portrait of erstwhile President Bill Clinton, as well as allegedly threatening his neighbors, and various other displays of delinquent behavior.
Selena Gomez abruptly ended interview after she was asked to explain Justin Bieber
As Dean Richards asked the penetrating questions, Selena Gomez was clearly at a loss for words and unprepared for the direction of the interview.
Selena Gomez looked around in bewilderment as she was most likely expecting a predictable session of softball questioning.
But Dean Richards – a fearless interviewer – persisted, asking: “What don’t we get about him or what is it that he’s not getting out there?”
But he was ultimately left unsatisfied as Selena Gomez merely smiled uncomfortably and abruptly ended the interview by closing the line.
Despite the childish response, Dean Richards softly chuckled to himself as he realized he had just been hung up on.
But just the day prior Selena Gomez seemed to be in a much more candid mood as she answered similarly difficult questions when interviewed by Ryan Seacrest onE! News.
When asked if she was dating Justin Bieber again, Selena Gomez said: “No, I’m not. I think I’m okay with being content right now. I think that’s what I’m happy with. And then whatever happens happens.”
However, Selena Gomez did admit she found it difficult to deal with the pressure their relationship was under from outside forces.
She said: “Yeah. I’m sure you could actually see those pictures of me being way stressed about it.
“And it’s hard because what do you do, do you sit in your house and hide and not go anywhere.
“I was 18 when we started to date and you just have to be an 18-year-old and go through everything.”
And considering she used to date Justin Bieber, some will be shocked to find out her most desired attributes in a man.
Selena Gomez said: “Honestly: egos turn me off big time. And I mean it’s hard to date in this industry. It really is.”
It appears James is a clear favorite for the name of the little Prince among the betting public.
At 2/1, James overtook the earlier leader among boys’ names, George, which is now 5/1 as is Henry – Prince Harry’s real name.
Most punters had clearly expected a girl, with Alexandra the favorite at 7/4.
Bookmakers Coral said the royal birth was the biggest non-sporting betting event in the company’s history with cash staked on everything including hair color and weight.
The name Prince William and Kate Middleton choose will set a trend for a generation of babies, with other new parents having a boy anxious to copy them.
James has links to both families, but Prince William already has a cousin called James – the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s son Viscount Severn.
George has been the name of six Kings of England and was the Sovereign name of the Queen’s father, George VI, whose actual first name was Albert.
The name Prince William and Kate Middleton choose will set a trend for a generation of babies, with other new parents having a boy anxious to copy them
It is also one of Prince Charles’ middle names.
From Prince William’s side of the family both his father’s name, which the Prince of Wales share with Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, and his grandfather’s are likely favorites.
At the bookies however, Charles did not even hit top ten with William Hill, and Phillip-betters will take home 40 times the money if they win.
Kate Middleton and Prince William are also likely to take inspiration from Kate’s side of the family, possibly honoring her father Michael, or picking Francis, which is both her father and her grandfather’s middle name.
According to British scientists, the prospect of reversing blindness has made a significant leap.
An animal study in the journal Nature Biotechnology showed the part of the eye which actually detects light can be repaired using stem cells.
The team at Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London say human trials are now, for the first time, a realistic prospect.
Experts described it as a “significant breakthrough” and “huge leap” forward.
Photoreceptors are the cells in the retina which react to light and convert it into an electrical signal which can be sent to the brain.
However, these cells can die off in some causes of blindness such as Stargardt’s disease and age-related macular degeneration.
There are already trials in people to use stem cells to replace the “support” cells in the eye which keep the photoreceptors alive.
Now the London-based team has shown it is possible to replace the light-sensing cells themselves, raising the prospect of reversing blindness.
An animal study in the journal Nature Biotechnology showed the part of the eye which actually detects light can be repaired using stem cells
They have used a new technique for building retinas in the laboratory. It was used to collect thousands of stem cells, which were primed to transform into photoreceptors, and injected them into the eyes of blind mice.
The study showed that these cells could hook up with the existing architecture of the eye and begin to function.
However, the effectiveness is still low. Only about 1,000 cells out of a transplant of 200,000 actually hooked up with the rest of the eye.
Lead researcher Prof. Robin Ali said: “This is a real proof of concept that photoreceptors can be transplanted from an embryonic stem cells source and it give us a route map to now do this in humans.
“That’s why we’re so excited, five years is a now a realistic aim for starting a clinical trial.”
The eye is one of the most advanced fields for stem cell research.
It is relatively simple as the light sensing cells only have to pass their electrical message on to one more cell in order to get their message to the brain, unlike an attempt to reverse dementia which would require cells to hook up with far more cells all across the brain.
The immune system is also very weak in the eye so there is a low chance of the transplant being rejected. A few cells can also make a big difference in the eye. Tens of thousands of stem cells in the eye could improve vision, but that number of stem cells would not regenerate a much larger organ such as a failing liver.
Tough-guy Dennis Farina, who was a Chicago policeman for years before entering show business, has died aged 69, his publicist has said.
Dennis Farina died in Scottsdale, Arizona, after developing a blood clot in his lung, publicist Lori De Waal said.
The actor was recently known for his role as police detective Joe Fontana on New York-based cop show Law and Order.
Dennis Farina also appeared as a mobster in action comedies such as Midnight Run (1988) and Get Shorty (1995).
He is survived by his partner of 35 years, Marianne Cahill, three sons and six grandchildren.
Tough-guy Dennis Farina, who was a Chicago policeman for years before entering show business, has died aged 69
Dennis Farina appeared as Joe Fontana during the 2004-6 seasons of Law and Order, among other television appearances.
He acted on the series Crime Story during the 1980s and most recently, starred alongside Dustin Hoffman in an HBO programme called Luck.
Dennis Farina’s first credited role was as a minor character in the 1981 Michael Mann film Thief.
He also appeared in Saving Private Ryan and Out of Sight, and was a mainstay of the Chicago theatre scene.
Dennis Farina was born in Chicago on 29 February 1944 and became an actor when he was almost 40, after spending many years as a Chicago police detective.
In a 2004 interview with the Associated Press, Dennis Farina recalled his first day of work as an actor.
“I remember going to the set that day and being intrigued by the whole thing,” Dennis Farina said.
“I liked it. And everybody was extremely nice to me. If the people were rude and didn’t treat me right, things could have gone the other way.”
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are “overjoyed” at the arrival of his first grandchild as he went ahead with a scheduled visit to York.
He did not want the impending birth of his first grandchild to interfere with his royal duties, but he couldn’t hide his delight after the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a baby boy.
Prince Charles said: “Both my wife and I are overjoyed at the arrival of my first grandchild.
“It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy.
“Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone’s life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future.”
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are “overjoyed” at the arrival of his first grandchild as he went ahead with a scheduled visit to York
Later in the evening as Prince Charles left a function at Harewood House, near Leeds, was asked if there was any news from the hospital.
He laughed as he replied: “No. You’ll hear before I do, I suspect.”
His comments come as the Queen returned to London after spending the night at Windsor Castle, travelling by car to Buckingham Palace.
But while the Queen decided to return to London, Prince Charles remained more than 200 miles away in the North of England, showing that not even the most exciting family drama can stop him carrying out his Royal duties.
He arrived at the National Railway Museum in York by steam train as he began a two-day visit to Yorkshire.
Prince Charles stepped off the Royal Carriage through clouds of steam, to applause and cheers from the crowd.
The carriage was pulled into the museum by Bittern, the sister engine of Mallard, which marked 75 years as the world’s fastest steam train earlier this month.
Kate Middleton has given birth to a baby boy, Kensington Palace has announced this evening.
The baby was delivered at 16:24 BST at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, weighing 8lb 6oz.
Prince William said in a statement the couple “could not be happier”.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will remain in the hospital overnight.
The news has been displayed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in line with tradition.
A bulletin – signed by the Queen’s gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who led the medical team that delivered the baby – was taken by a royal aide from St Mary’s to the palace under police escort.
The document said: “Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4.24 pm today.
“Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”
The news of royal baby boy arrival has been displayed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in line with tradition
When the news was announced, a large cheer went up from well-wishers and journalists outside the hospital while a large crowd greeted the posting of the bulletin outside Buckingham Palace.
The Kensington Palace press release said Prince William was present for the birth of his son, who will be known as the Prince of Cambridge.
“The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news,” it said.
And the Prince of Wales, in a separate statement, said he and the Duchess of Cornwall were “overjoyed at the arrival of my first grandchild.
“It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy,” he added.
“Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone’s life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton spent time bonding with their son before they told the family their news, according to new reports.
Royal doctor Michael Setchell described the new arrival as “wonderful baby, beautiful baby”.
PM David Cameron, speaking outside Downing Street, hailed the “wonderful news”.
“It is an important moment in the life of our nation but I suppose, above all, it’s a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who’ve got a brand new baby boy,” he added.
He said the Royal Family could “know that a proud nation is celebrating with a very proud and happy couple tonight”.
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said: “I am sure that people across Scotland will be absolutely thrilled to hear the news of the birth of a baby boy to the Royal couple and will want to join me in wishing the proud parents many congratulations.”
And Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones congratulated the couple “on behalf of the people of Wales” as “they enter their journey into parenthood”.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, meanwhile, said he was “delighted to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the arrival of their baby boy”.
“Along with millions here and around the world, I share in their joy at this special time,” he added.
“May God bless this family with love, health and happiness in their shared life ahead.”
Kate Middleton’s baby boy was overdue, royal sources have confirmed.
What does this mean for the birth?
Fewer than one in 20 women gives birth on their “due date” – the expected date of delivery given at the start of pregnancy.
Around half of pregnant women go into labor up to two weeks later, or labor is medically induced during this period because of worries about the health of mother and baby.
Prof. Andrew Shennan, an internationally renowned specialist, says it is more accurate to talk about a “due month” of birth because each woman’s circumstances are different.
Andrew Shennan, who works as professor of obstetrics based at St Thomas’ Hospital, London, said his unit’s policy is not to intervene until a woman reaches 42 weeks of pregnancy – two weeks overdue – unless there is cause for concern.
It is thought that Kate Middleton was 41 weeks pregnant today and comfortably within the normal margin for giving birth.
Prof. Andrew Shennan said: “Most women want to give birth naturally when possible and if there is no reason to induce, we’d rather not because it involves using drugs.
“Only about four per cent of women deliver on their due date, it’s better to talk about a due month, because when they are giving birth naturally around half will deliver later.”
Kate Middleton’s baby boy was overdue
The placenta – the baby’s support system in the womb – is equipped to last for about 40 to 42 weeks which means if labor hasn’t started there is a risk of the baby running out of nutrients at a time when it has never been bigger and more needy.
Another reason for intervening earlier is when there are signs of pre-eclampsia, which raises blood pressure and can threaten the lives of mother and baby.
When a decision is taken to induce labor, a number of drugs may be used to soften up the cervix – the neck of the womb – and start contractions including prostaglandin pessaries and oxytocin through a drip.
Obstetricians take a stepwise approach and if something works, there’s no need to continue with another drug, said Prof. Andrew Shennan.
These are normally given in hospital because the baby’s vital signs should be monitored throughout, he added.
Like thousands of other first-time mothers, Kate Middleton was asked to keep track of her contractions, the early signs of labor, at home.
She would have had instructions to contact her medical team when they were strong and regular, coming at the rate of two or three every 10 minutes, or if she was worried at any time.
Contractions are the tightening of muscles in the womb to push the baby down.
Prof. Andrew Shennan said: “It’s OK to stay at home at this stage and there is some evidence that women do better as a result.
“When they increase to three or four every 10 minutes then normal labor has started and she will need to set off for the hospital, allowing for time of day and traffic conditions.
“A lot depends on the level of discomfort and the woman’s pain threshold.”
The early stages of labor – which led to Kate Middleton’s admission to hospital around 5.30 a.m. this morning – may last some time, but when contractions speed up and the labor becomes established the timeline is carefully monitored.
The neck of the womb dilates, or widens, by one centimetre an hour and needs to get to 10 centimetres.
Often the second half of labor is signaled by the waters breaking – when the sac of amniotic fluid which protected the baby during pregnancy begins to leak.
Prof. Andrew Shennan, a leading researcher for the baby charity Tommy’s, said the early stages of labor can “niggle” for days.
“But when labor is established it’s a much clearer picture and ideally there will be good progress over 12 hours.
“Any longer and we would be considering a Caesarean section to ensure the safety of mother and child,” he added.
Watching television shows, movies, and Internet videos on your TV has never been easier thanks to Roku 3. This all-access device is starting to make cable, satellite, and even over-the-air stations a bit nervous. Check out the five ways Roku 3 will change your streaming experience.
5. Access to Content
Image via Flickr by thetechbuzz
With Roku 3, you’ll have access to a very broad range of channels and content providers. Unlike cable where you buy a channel bundle that may include several channels you never watch, Roku 3 lets you pick which channels you want. Channels include big names such as Netflix, Hulu, Major League Baseball TV, and HBO.
Beyond the well-known brands, have fun sampling other content providers. For example, some popular tourist destinations offer their own channels with fun videos. Think beyond TV show shows and movies. Use your TV to watch comedic material from Funny or Die, or enjoy listening to your favorite radio station, even if it’s in another city, with Tune In. Spend hours diving into the depth of content that’s available to stream through your Roku.
4. On Demand Viewing
Most content available through Roku 3 is on demand. That means you watch it on your schedule, not when it’s broadcast or shown on cable. This changes the way you watch television shows because you no longer have to view episodes in order. While you’ll probably still want to watch “Downton Abbey” episodes in sequential order, choose whichever episode of “How It Works” that piques your interest.
3. Watch, Listen, Play
Before the Roku, there weren’t many devices that allowed you to stream TV or movies, listen to music, and play games all with a single unit. However, Roku makes it possible to do all three using one device and one remote. This means you’ll spend less time switching between your equipment and more time watching or doing the things you love. This is one more reason Roku has developed such a strong following: It brings together many functionalities in a single device.
2. Put Your Content on Screen
When you have friends or family over to your home, enjoy showing off photos of the kids or the fun you had on your last vacation with a photo slide show on your TV. It’s simple to do with the Roku app for your smartphone that puts your photos on the flatscreen.
1. Stream Content Quickly
Make sure you have reliable, fast Internet access, such as the 4G from CLEAR internet plans, so you can completely enjoy the streaming experience of Roku 3. Earlier versions of this technology took a bit of time to load content, or even pull up a different channel, but the latest iteration of Roku is built for speed.
The speed of this device may deal a fatal blow to Redbox, the DVD rental’s last ditch effort to make a comeback. With many new releases available to rent from Vudu for viewing via Roku streaming, you may have just watched your last rented DVD.
As Roku keeps introducing better, faster devices, all other traditional distributors of content such as cable,satellite, and DVD rental companies should pay attention, and probably start to worry.
Kate Middleton gives birth to a baby boy, Kensington Palace has announced.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have welcomed a healthy baby boy, and the nation celebrates the birth of a future king.
Kate Middleton gives birth to a baby boy
Prince William and Kate Middelton’s son weighed 8lb 6oz and was delivered at 4.24 p.m. today at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington with his proud father, Prince William, looking on.
Kate Middleton and the baby are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight, said a spokesman for the palace.
The long-awaited baby will be given the title His Royal Highness and be known as Prince of Cambridge, after the Queen moved earlier this year to change almost a century of royal tradition.
The Queen issued a formal proclamation in January to end a convention brought in by George V which meant that a royal title was restricted to the children of the sovereign and the children of the sovereign’s sons.
Well-wishers have gathered outside Buckingham Palace as the world anxiously waits for Kate Middleton to give birth to the future king or queen.
Despite being the hottest day of the year so far, thousands of people have gathered in London to celebrate the royal baby’s arrival while the Queen is now waiting at her home for her great-grandchild to be born.
Kate Middleton, who has Prince William by her side, was driven from Kensington Palace to the private Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, at around 5.30 a.m. today.
A team of royal protection officers rushed Kate Middleton in via a rear exit, the same route taken by Princess Diana when she gave birth to Prince William in 1982.
This afternoon there was a large police presence around the hospital as royal fans gathered as they waited for news about the soon-to-be mother and baby.
Well-wishers have gathered outside Buckingham Palace as the world anxiously waits for Kate Middleton to give birth to the future king or queen
Meanwhile, many more gathered outside Buckingham Palace, where the official announcement of the baby’s birth will be made on an easel to be placed at its gates.
Excitement reached feverish levels outside Buckingham Palace this afternoon when the Queen arrived home from Windsor Castle, where the huge crowd surged dangerously as she was driven through the gates.
Scores of people ran towards her vehicle screaming “The Queen!”, while others reached into their pockets to grab their camera phones in an effort to catch Her Majesty’s fleeting appearance.
The months of speculation and anticipation – dubbed the Great Kate Wait – built to a climax this morning amid news that the Duchess of Cambridge had been admitted to hospital in the early stages of labor.
The New Order of Succession to the British throne after royal baby’s birth
Thousands of well-wishers have gathered outside Buckingham Palace and the London hospital where Kate Middleton is in labor as the world anxiously waits for her to give birth to the future king or queen.
Pope Francis has arrived in Rio de Janeiro on his first trip abroad since becoming head of the Catholic Church in March.
The first Latin American Pope touched down at Rio de Janeiro airport on Monday afternoon and was greeted by Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff.
The Argentina-born pontiff has travelled to Brazil to attend the Roman Catholic World Youth Day festival.
En route, Pope Francis told reporters that the global crisis risked creating a lost generation of jobless youth.
Pope Francis has arrived in Rio de Janeiro on his first trip abroad since becoming head of the Catholic Church
As he left the Alitalia plane, Pope Francis was welcomed by President Dilma Rousseff to cheers and applause from the waiting crowd. A choir sang and the pontiff was presented with a bouquet of flowers.
Pope Francis waved before being taken by motorcade to the centre of Rio de Janeiro, where large numbers of pilgrims have gathered.
The authorities have increased security during the Pope’s visit, following weeks of nationwide protests against corruption and bad governance.
Pope Francis has refused to use an armored Popemobile, despite requests from Brazilian officials. Some 22,000 security staff will be on duty during his visit.
More than a million young Catholics are expected to gather in Rio for World Youth Day, which takes place every two years, and is a celebration of the Catholic faith.
Pope Francis is due to lead a service on Copacabana beach, and visit a shanty town.
Speaking to reporters on his flight from Rome, Pope Francis said: “We run the risk of having a generation that hasn’t worked,” even though work confers dignity.
Pope Francis also criticized what he said was a “culture” of socially rejecting the elderly who were “thrown away” as if they had nothing to offer.
Colin Firth shifted the pounds to play a prisoner of war in upcoming movie The Railway Man.
However, with filming having long ended, it looks like the slimline Colin Firth may be here to stay.
Colin Firth, 52, was looking trim as he attended his newest director Woody Allen’s jazz band performance on the French Riviera on Sunday.
The actor has been cast in Woody Allen’s latest film, which is yet to begin shooting, alongside Emma Stone, Marcia Gay Harden and Eileen Atkins.
Colin Firth has been cutting a slimmer figure in recent months after losing weight to play Eric Lomax, a real-life Scottish soldier who was subjected to torture by the Japanese during World War II in Burma.
Colin Firth shifted the pounds to play a prisoner of war in upcoming movie The Railway Man
Although filming finished quite some time ago, Colin Firth is yet to return to his usual size.
The actor may like his trimmer fame, or perhaps he is required the keep the weight off for another film.
This year, busy Colin Firth has several films in the pipeline, including Devil’s Knot, with Before I Go To Sleep, Genius and the Woody Allen project, which is as yet untitled.
The Railway Man sees Colin Firth play Eric, who was tortured by Japanese Kempeitai military police when he was sent to work on the Death Railway after being captured in Singapore in 1941.
Colin Firth plays the elder Eric, who is convinced by his wife Patti (Nicole Kidman) to find peace for his trauma by tracking down the Kempeitai interpreter, Nagase Takashi, who attended his interrogations and beatings years earlier.
War Horse star Jeremy Irvine plays the younger Eric and also had to lose weight for the role.
Jeremy Irvine admitted he walked to lose the weight in an interview with GQ magazine: “I’d walk all day through the Cambridgeshire countryside with my script to burn calories. I think I scared my mum a bit.”
Joan Collins, Snooki and Spice Girls’ Mel B led the hordes of celebrities tweeting ahead of the royal baby’s arrival on Monday morning.
Upon the news that Kate Middleton had gone into labor at London’s St Mary’s hospital, stars were quick to take to Twitter to express their excitement over the impending arrival.
Taking a guess as to the baby’s gender, veteran actress Joan Collins wrote: “I bet it’s a girl!”
Mel B was less specific with her tweet, writing: “Whoop whoop the royal baby is coming.”
In fact, within minutes of news breaking that Kate Middleton had gone into labor, Twitter went into meltdown, with more than 200 tweets containing the words “Kate” and “Labor” being sent every minute.
CNN host Piers Morgan admitted the late Princess Diana would be bursting with pride at the imminent birth, writing: “She’d have loved it, very sad.”
The British presenter also offered a prediction on the child’s sex: “A boy – 100%.”
Former Labour politician John Prescott added: “Great to hear the Duchess of Cambridge has gone into labour. Is she an affiliated member? #boomtish # royalbaby.”
Elsewhere former S Club 7 star Rachel Stevens added: “Baby HRH on the way, how exciting!”
Joan Collins, Snooki and Spice Girls’ Mel B led the hordes of celebrities tweeting ahead of the royal baby’s arrival
While the majority of tweets wished Kate Middleton all the best, mother-of-two Lily Cooper couldn’t resist a light-hearted joke with the tweet: “The Duchess has shed half her baby weight.”
Jersey Shore star Snooki offered words of encouragement: “Push girl, pushhhhhh! #KateMiddleton #RoyalBaby #excited.”
Newly engaged Kelly Osbourne also tweeted from her home in Los Angeles: “It’s all so exciting The Royal Baby is on the way!”
Dame Helen Mirren – who has played her Royal Highness the Queen on stage and screen – says it would be “very interesting” if William and Kate named their first child Diana.
“I wonder if they’ll go there. That would be interesting, wouldn’t it? That would be very interesting,” she said, adding: “Her second name will be Elizabeth without a doubt.”
However, Helen Mirren admitted that other options would work just as well – amongst them Victoria, Charlotte and Caroline – after Kate Middleton’s mother, Carole.
“It would be nice to have one of those ancient Anglo-Saxon names,” she said.
Helen Mirren also admitted that Kate Middleton must feel awkward knowing the eyes of the world are trained on her while she prepares for the imminent birth.
“That’s weird isn’t it, everyone knowing you’re in labor,” she said.
“That must be so uncomfortable.”
Helen Mirren added that it would be great if they had a girl because “we need more Queen’s in our life”.
The royal baby’s impending birth is good news for bookmakers as thousands of people have rushed to place bets on everything from the child’s name to its due date, weight, gender and eye color.
Most wanted to bet on the baby’s name and bookies said George and Alexandra are the hot favorite names for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s baby.
Other strong contenders from Prince William’s family include Elizabeth, Diana, Charles and Philip.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are also likely to take inspiration from Kate’s side of the family, possibly honoring her father Michael, or picking Francis, which is both her father and her grandfather’s middle name.
Frances was Kate Middleton’s great-great-great grandmother’s first name, and was also Prince William’s mother’s middle name.
Meanwhile James, another very strong favorite if the baby is a boy, has links to both families.
Bookmakers also said punters – who have spent an estimated £1 million ($1.5 million) betting on the baby – were expecting the baby to be a girl, weighing between 7 lb-7lbs 15oz, and to have brown hair.
Once the baby is born the Queen will be informed of the chosen names before they are announced officially, but she is unlikely to exercise her veto.
Royal writer Christopher Warwick said: “The Queen is so down to earth that she’s not likely to jump up and down and say this boy has got to be called Charles and George.
“This isn’t going to be <<Granny, do you approve?>> but more <<These are the names we’ve chosen – do you like them?>>.
“It’s much more of a personal thing these days.”
Despite their freer rein, it is unlikely that Prince William and Kate Middleton would pick a name out of keeping with royal tradition, and they will be mindful of choosing a name that befits a future king or queen.
In the past, the approval of the sovereign has held great importance.
When the Duke and Duchess of York had their second daughter Princess Margaret Rose in 1930, they were planning to call her Ann Margaret, but changed their mind after learning that King George V disliked the name Ann.
Queen Victoria insisted that the name Albert be used as a middle name, if not a first, in honor of her beloved consort Prince Albert.
Royal babies’ names are not usually revealed straight away and the public are often left guessing for several days as speculation mounts.
When Princess Beatrice was born in 1988, it was two weeks before her name was known.
When Prince William arrived in 1982, his parents waited seven days before deciding upon and announcing his name. Princess Diana was thought to have preferred names such as Sebastian and Oliver, while Charles was reportedly holding out for Albert.
Charles’s own name, however, remained a mystery for an entire month and was only declared ahead of his christening in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace in December 1948.
In a more modern approach, Prince William and Kate Middleton could buck the trend and unveil their chosen name immediately.
Most wanted to bet on the baby’s name and bookies said George and Alexandra are the hot favorite names for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s baby
Royal babies tend to be given a number of middle names.
The Prince of Wales has four names – Charles Philip Arthur George – while the Duke of Cambridge also has four – William Arthur Philip Louis.
The Queen has three names – Elizabeth Alexandra Mary – while Diana, Princess of Wales, was Diana Frances.
Kate Middleton has just two names, Catherine Elizabeth.
Prince Harry’s first name is actually Henry, followed by Charles Albert David.
King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne, had seven names – Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David – but was always known to his family as David.
Queen Victoria was named Alexandrina Victoria and as a child was nicknamed Drina.
If the baby is a boy, he will be styled a Prince and, thanks to a new letters patent issued by the Queen, if the baby is a girl, a Princess.
When William was born he was Prince William of Wales and his children will use Cambridge in the same way, becoming HRH Prince [forename] of Cambridge or HRH Princess [forename] of Cambridge.
According to the monarchy’s official website: “For the most part, members of the Royal Family who are entitled to the style and dignity of HRH Prince or Princess do not need a surname, but if at any time any of them do need a surname (such as upon marriage), that surname is Mountbatten-Windsor.”
In 1917, George V adopted Windsor as the royal family’s House and surname.
In 1960, for the direct descendants of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh who require a surname, it became Mountbatten-Windsor.
Mountbatten was the surname Greek-born Prince Philip assumed when he became naturalized in 1947.
If a boy, the baby is also likely to one day be Prince of Wales when William accedes to the throne. The title is usually given to the male heir to the throne, but it is not automatic.
Bookies are already cashing in after due dates backed by the punters passed by without a baby.
The most popular day for due-date bets was last Thursday, July 18, when 1,142 people lost money with Ladbrokes alone.
One punter was down £1,000 ($1,500) after putting their money on July 17, and the company will make £23,000 ($35,000) after getting to midnight last night without a royal baby. Meanwhile Coral says it has already made £25,000 ($38,000) from lost bets.
William Hill said it had already taken £100,000 ($150,000) in due date bets but could not say how many people had lost out as all bets remain open until the baby is born.
The bookmaker has now stopped taking bets on when the baby will arrive, and said the majority of people had bet on it being today. Meanwhile there has also been a surge in bets for an August due date – money they are now likely to lose.
Bookies are also taking bets on everything from the baby’s star sign to its hair color, and whether Prince William or Kate Middleton will be holding it when they first emerge from hospital.
A baby girl is favorite, with odds of 1-2, while the odds on it being a boy are 6-4, Coral said today. The bookmaker said the baby’s birth has been the biggest non-sporting event in the company’s history.
If the baby comes before 4.54 p.m. today it will be a Cancer star sign, and if it comes after that it will be Leo, as Kate Middleton’ mother has predicted.
Mohamed Morsi’s family has accused the Egyptian army of abducting him.
The ousted president’s daughter Shaimaa Morsi told a news conference in Cairo that the family was taking legal measures against the army.
Mohamed Morsi has been held at an undisclosed location, without charge, since being ousted from power on July 3.
Mohamed Morsi’s family has accused the Egyptian army of abducting him
The family said it held the military responsible for the former leader’s “safety and security”.
The statement is the first from Mohamed Morsi’s family since he was deposed from office.
“We are taking local and international legal measures against Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, the leader of the bloody military coup, and his putschist group,” Shaimaa Morsi told reporters.
The family was appealing to the International Criminal Court to launch an investigation into the events leading up to his removal from power, she said.
One of Mohamed Morsi’s sons, Osama, said: “What is going on is a violation of human rights and a scandal in every sense of the word.”
He described the manner in which the military were holding Mohamed Morsi as an “abduction”.
The family had had no contact with the former president since he was ousted, he said.
Mohammed al-Damati, a leading Egyptian lawyer and supporter of Mohamed Morsi, said it was a breach of the former president’s human rights to hold him without charge.
Mohamed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood movement has refused to recognize the new military-backed administration.
It continues to hold almost daily street protests in Cairo.
Several countries, including the United States, have called for Mohamed Morsi’s release.
But Egypt’s interim authorities insist he is being held in a “safe place”.
June Shannon was unimpressed with partner Sugar Bear’s meager seduction technique in the premiere episode of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.
Wanting to get a little “frisky”, Sugar Bear tried to woo Mama June with a small cream-filled cupcake on his birthday.
Unfortunately for him, June Shannon remained unmoved.
“A new crockpot, new deep fryer, might get you to first base,” she said.
“It takes a lot to turn this big mama on.”
“I need some quality alone time,” Mike Thompson said, after having packed June Shannon’s four children off to a babysitter.
“I really love June, she’s my woman.”
June Shannon, 33, finally gave in, telling her long term beau: “Just be quick.”
The family had celebrated Sugar Bear’s 41st birthday with deep fried pork chops and a Dukes of Hazzard-themed bash namely because it’s his favorite show.
Sugar Bear tried to woo Mama June with a small cream-filled cupcake on his birthday
Mike Thompson and the four girls – 7-year-old Alana aka Honey Boo Boo, Anna (Chickadee), 18, Lauryn (Pumpkin), 13, and 16-year-old Jessica (Chubbs) took it in turns to thrash a piñata shaped like a pair of Daisy Duke shorts.
It was an action packed double episode for the family from rural McIntyre Georgia beginning with Mama June daringly confiscating her daughter’s cell phones for not doing their chores.
Despite June Shannon’s hope that her girls could enjoy some family time without “electronics”, the girls decided to cover themselves in plastic wrap, pour cooking oil on the floor, grease themselves with butter and turn the house into a “Redneck Slip`n’ Slide – Extreme Home Edition”, according to Chubbs.
Unhappy at the mess her brood had made, June Shannon returned their cell phones, but not before ordering them to clean up.
“I would prefer my girls with phones rather than destroying my house,” she said.
The family bonded rather more over their love of road kill.
In a squeamish turn of events, the family heard a pig had been found dead nearby.
“We’re not really hunters in our family,” June Shannon told viewers about road kill finds.
“We bring it home, skin it, cook it, eat it, save money. That’s the way the cycle of life works in our family.”
“Roadkill is any animal that didn’t look before it crossed the road,” added an excited Honey Boo Boo, before the family decamped to hang the pig, skin it, and then make pork and beans from the trotters and the tail.
The girls were equally thrilled by a family outing to a wrestling match, where Chickadee was in her element.
“I like wrestling because of people fighting each other and they’re some good looking folks in there,” she said.
“I love it. It’s my heart. My soul.”
“I like wrestling because it’s all my family do,” added Honey Boo Boo.
A go-karting trip also went down well, despite larger than life Mama June getting stuck in her vehicle after crashing.
It took three track workers to pull her go-kart back in action “because I’m kind of voluptuous”, she said.
The final moments of the show previewed next week’s episode where Sugar Bear finally takes the plunge and proposes to June Shannon.
Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is in the early stages of labor and was admitted to hospital at around 5.30 a.m. today as she prepares to give birth to the future king or queen.
There have been weeks of anticipation over the forthcoming birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s child.
Here are ten of the lesser-known facts about royal births:
1. Home secretaries used to attend royal births. The last time was in 1936 for the birth of the Queen’s cousin, Princess Alexandra. The custom was ended in 1948 ahead of the birth of Prince Charles. At the time Home Office researchers could find no evidence for the belief that the home secretary’s presence was anything to do with verification, according to a biography of the Queen written by Ben Pimlott.
Then Home Secretary Sir William Joynson-Hicks was present at the Queen’s birth in 1926, despite the government being embroiled in a row with coal miners. He was reported to have conveyed the news by special messenger to the Lord Mayor of London.
2. The Archbishop of Canterburywon’t attend the birth, as was the custom in the past. One exception was in 1841 for the birth of Queen Victoria’s first son Albert Edward in 1841 when the archbishop and two companions – Lord Wharncliffe, Lord President of the Council, and Lord Stanley, Secretary of the State for the Colonies – turned up late and missed the birth. The Times does not record whether heavy carriage traffic was to blame. The Bishop of London did make it.
3. 42 eminent public figures were called in to verify the birth of King James II’s son James Francis Edward in 1688 at St James’s Palace, in what visiting Cambridge University scholar Prof. Mary Fissell describes as “the first media circus surrounding a royal birth”. People doubted that the King’s wife Mary of Modena was genuinely pregnant and, once she went into labor, Mary Fissell says, there were rumors spread by cheap broadsheets and in coffee houses that the baby who emerged had been smuggled into the bedchamber in a warming pan, or that it had been sneaked into the bed through a secret door in the bedhead.
Kate Middleton is in the early stages of labor and was admitted to hospital as she prepares to give birth to the future king or queen
That scandal put a permanent question mark against the baby’s legitimacy, Mary Fissell says, and he never became king. William of Orange and his wife Mary went on to seize the throne in 1688 in what came to be known as the Glorious Revolution.
4. The birth ofPrincess Margaret in 1930 caused some difficulty for then Home Secretary JR Clynes. He had remained in Scotland while he waited to witness the birth of the princess at Glamis Castle which ended up happening two weeks later than planned, says royal historian Hugo Vickers. When the baby was finally on its way, JR Clynes was already ready for bed, but on the news of the impending arrival had to scramble to the castle for the birth.
5. A surname will not necessarily be required, as the new baby will have the title HRH Prince or Princess and will be referred to in this way. However, if Kate Middleton and Prince William want to include a surname, there are three choices available: Mountbatten-Windsor, Wales or Cambridge. In 1917 George V adopted Windsor – after the castle of the same name – as the “surname” of his family, changing it from Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as a result of anti-German feeling during World War I.
The Queen and Prince Phillip combined their surnames to make Mountbatten-Windsor – their direct descendants can use this name but it isn’t binding.
In his military role, Prince William uses the name of his royal house – Wales – which is taken from his father. Similarly Cambridge, the title given to the couple when they married, could be used.
6. The news will come on an easel. It’s custom for news of royal births and deaths to be attached to the railings of Buckingham Palace. In this case, it will be displayed on an ornate easel in the forecourt of the palace. The Queen, senior members of the royal family, and the Middleton family – if they are not at the hospital – will be told about the birth first. Then a royal aide will hurry from the hospital to the palace under police escort with a bulletin. The foolscap-sized note, bearing the Buckingham Palace letterhead and signed by key medical staff, will be the nation’s first chance to find out if it is a boy or a girl. After the note is displayed, an announcement will be posted on Twitter and Facebook, and the media will be informed.
7. Prince William isfollowing modern convention by taking paternity leave. He is expected to take the two weeks’ paid leave offered by the Ministry of Defence. He will then return to his job as an RAF search and rescue pilot. Of course, statutory paternity leave has only been in force in the UK since 2003. Prince Phillip was playing squash when Charles was born.
8. Royal births areusually celebrated with a 41-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The basic royal salute is 21 rounds, but because it will be conducted in Green Park, a royal park, an extra 20 rounds are fired. At the Tower of London, 62 rounds will be fired – the basic 21, 20 because the Tower is a Royal Palace and 21 for the “city of London”. Union jacks will also be flown from all Government buildings, Royal Naval ships, and defense establishments.
9. The birth is in a hospital. While it might seem obvious that Prince William and Kate Middleton’s baby would be born in a hospital, Prince William was actually the first would-be king to arrive in such a way. Both he and his brother Prince Harry were born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, where Kate Middleton is giving birth. The baby will be delivered by the Queen’s former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell. The Queen was born at a home belonging to her mother’s parents at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. The current heir to the throne, Prince Charles, was born at Buckingham Palace, while his sister Anne was born at Clarence House.
The new parents are likely to present the newborn baby to the world via the press camped outside the hospital. The Queen showed off the royal babies on the balcony at Buckingham Palace in front of huge crowds.
10. The christening robewill be a replica of one that has been used since 1841. It is not yet known where the latest addition to the family will be christened, but Prince William – like his father the Prince of Wales – was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace. The robe was made for the christening of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter. Made of fine Honiton lace lined with white satin, it has subsequently been used for generations of Royal christenings. The current Queen wore it, her children all wore it and so have all but one of her grandchildren – including Princes William and Harry. In 2008, the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s son wore a replica robe designed to preserve the original.
Swiss bank UBS has reached an agreement with US housing agencies to settle claims it had mis-sold mortgage investments.
UBS said it had reached an agreement in principle with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) over the investments sold between 2004 and 2007.
In its statement, UBS also said it expected its second-quarter net profits for shareholders to total 690 million Swiss francs ($734 million).
UBS set aside a total of 865 million francs in the quarter to cover litigation.
Of that, 100 million francs is related to a deal with the UK authorities to disclose the account details of British tax evaders and hand back unpaid taxes.
The bank said that its wealth management business continued to see large inflows – totalling 10.1bn francs during the three-month period, the highest in six years.
Its US private banking business received an additional 2.7 billion francs of new client money, although 2 billion francs was withdrawn by clients from its asset management unit.
The influx of money comes despite the entire Swiss banking sector coming under scrutiny from foreign tax authorities and its own regulators.
UBS is currently under investigation from French and German authorities over allegations that it enabled tax evasion.
UBS reached an agreement in principle with the FHFA over the investments sold between 2004 and 2007
UBS’s board is refocusing the bank on serving wealthy clients, slimming down its investment banking and trading operations and cutting 10,000 jobs in the process.
The decision to make the investment bank subservient to its private banking business came after a string of scandals, including heavy losses on US mortgages during the financial crisis, losses incurred by the rogue London trader Kweku Adoboli, and UBS involvement in Libor-rigging.
The deal with the FHFA relates to residential mortgage-backed securities sold during the past decade’s US property bubble to federal housing agencies.
The underlying mortgages behind the investments later went bad, with many borrowers proving unable to repay their loans.
UBS is one of 18 international financial firms accused by the FHFA of mis-representing the mortgages as being better quality than they really were.
The FHFA is also representing Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which had to be rescued by the US government during the 2008 financial crisis.
The settlement comes after UBS and 13 other banks failed to have an appeals court intervene in the case, following what the banks claimed were “gravely prejudicial” rulings against them.
The bank’s estimated earnings were better than the 550 million – 575 million Swiss francs that analysts had been expecting, and up from 425 million francs during the same period a year ago.
Its share price rose more than 3% in early trading on Monday following the announcement.
UBS will announce its official results for the second quarter of the year on July 30.
The timing of the royal baby’s birth today will dictate whether the child is an emotional Cancer or fiery Leo, astrologers say.
If Kate Middleton’s baby is born before 4.54 p.m. today, it will be a Cancerian, like its father Prince William and grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales.
But if the baby comes later, astrologers say it will be Leo, like its great aunt Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, and Princess Anne.
Kate Middleton went into labor at 6 a.m. this morning – with many suggesting the approaching full moon at 11.16 a.m. helped bring on the contractions.
Prince William is with Kate Middleton at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, where he himself was born in 1982.
The timing of the royal baby’s birth today will dictate whether the child is an emotional Cancer or fiery Leo
But as the country waits to hear whether Britain has a future king or queen, there was a Twitter frenzy this morning as to whether it would be born a Cancer or a Leo.
Astrologer with The Association of Professional Astrologers International, Deike Begg, says the timing of the baby’s birth will play a huge role in their personality type.
Deike Begg said: “If the baby is born before 4.54 p.m. they will be a Cancer – like father William. But its moon will be in Capricorn – which is the same star-sign as mother Kate.
“This means the baby will share a lot of the parents’ personality traits.
“As a Cancer, the child will be very family oriented like its parents and sensitive. Cancers often appear strong on the outside but are very soft on the inside.
“But with a Capricorn moon it would also be aware of its responsibilities and dependable.”
Traditionally those born under the star-sign of Cancer – generally between June 22nd and July 22nd although the exact dates vary slightly every year – are sensitive, caring, shrewd, family oriented and protective of their loved ones.
Typical Leo traits are said to include confidence, ambition, generosity and loyalty.
The Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, where Kate Middleton is due to give birth, is an exclusive private facility offering “bespoke care packages”.
This facility is where Prince William and his brother Harry were born.
But a home birth might have been more in keeping with tradition.
The Queen was born at a home belonging to her mother’s parents at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. The current heir to the throne, Prince Charles, was born at Buckingham Palace, while his sister Anne was born at Clarence House.
Kate Middleton, like Princess Diana before her, will now be in a private en-suite room in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s, designed to provide “comfort and privacy”.
Fully refurbished last year, the wing describes itself as having offered “leading private obstetric and neonatal care for 60 years”.
Each room has a satellite TV with major international channels, a radio, a safe, a bedside phone and a fridge.
The Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, where Kate Middleton is due to give birth, is an exclusive private facility offering bespoke care packages
The expectant mother and her visitors can access the internet on Wi-Fi and there is a choice of a daily newspaper delivered to the room each morning.
All meals are freshly prepared by chefs in a dedicated kitchen and tea and coffee is provided for mothers and guests throughout the day.
The £5,000 ($7,500)-a-night wing also offers a “comprehensive wine list should you wish to enjoy a glass of champagne and toast your baby’s arrival”.
Should Prince William want to stay over, he’ll be provided with a fully reclining chair next to Kate’s bedside and breakfast in the morning.
But aside from these hotel-like luxuries, the hospital is experienced in catering for complex pregnancies and deliveries.
The wing has the benefit of being based in an NHS hospital if further complications arise, including its facilities for premature babies, and access to top-notch hospital specialists.
It’s believed the medical team assigned to deliver Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first child will be led by Dr. Marcus Setchell, the Queen’s former gynaecologist for more than 18 years.
He helped save the lives of the Countess of Wessex and her eldest child Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor in 2003.
Sophie was rushed to hospital after complaining of severe internal pains when she was eight months pregnant.
She was dangerously ill from blood loss and doctors performed an emergency Caesarean.
Assisting Dr.Marcus Setchell will be Dr. Alan Farthing, the Queen’s current gynaecologist and surgeon, and former fiancé of the murdered television presenter Jill Dando.
Alan Farthing, who has been a doctor for 26 years, works at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital in Hammersmith, west London, and St Mary’s.
Kate Middleton’s baby will be his first high-profile royal birth.
Meanwhile, outside the hospital, the world’s press waits for the birth.
Kate Middleton was taken to the Lindo Wing just before 06:00.
Prince William and his wife, who spent the weekend at Kensington Palace, travelled without a police escort, their spokesman said.
The spokesman added: “Things are progressing as normal.”
Kate Middleton has been admitted to hospital and is in the early stages of labor, Kensington Palace has said.
The Duchess of Cambridge, who is thought to be one week overdue, travelled by car from the palace to St Mary’s in Paddington, west London, with her husband the Duke of Cambridge.
Kate Middleton has been admitted to hospital and is in the early stages of labor
Prince William and Kate Middleton do not know the sex of their first child, who will be third in line to the throne.
Royal vehicles were seen at a back entrance to the hospital at about 06:00 BST, with the announcement coming from Kensington Palace an hour-and-a-half later.
Kate Middleton is being tended by a top medical team led by the Queen’s former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who delivered the Countess of Wessex’s two children.
The couple announced they were expecting their first child in December after the duchess was admitted to hospital suffering from severe morning sickness.
Since the announcement, Kate Middleton has carried out 19 days of public engagements before going on maternity leave in the middle of June.
Kate Middleton is in labor and has gone to give birth at St Mary’s Hospital in London, Kensington Palace has announced.
Kate Middleton, 31, has been admitted to hospital and is in the early stages of labor.
The Duchess of Cambridge was taken to St Mary’s Hospital in London.
The long wait was over but there was likely to be no more news until the official announcement of the birth.
The baby will be Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first child and will be third in line to the throne.
Prince William is with Kate Middleton at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, where he himself was born in 1982.
Palace officials chose to make the announcement that Kate Middleton has gone into labour public in an attempt to balance her “dignity” with the fact that social media makes it almost impossible to keep her baby’s imminent arrival a secret.
Kate Middleton is in labour and has gone to give birth at St Mary’s Hospital in London
“The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted this morning to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London in the early stages of labour,” a royal spokesman said.
“The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing with The Duke of Cambridge.”
The world’s press have been camped outside St Mary’s for days in anticipation of the birth. The due date had never been officially announced but had widely been expected to be mid-July.
Prince William has been with his wife on annual leave and will have two weeks’ paternity leave.
Kate Middleton’s final public appearance before the birth was at the Trooping the Colour ceremony in June.
As a result of recent, long-anticipated changes in the law, the baby will also be made an HRH (His or Her Royal Highness) and given the title Prince or Princess of Cambridge.
If she is a girl she will, one day, become Queen, just as a boy will become King.
He or she is also destined to become a future head of the armed forces, supreme governor of the Church of England and head of the Commonwealth, which covers 54 nations across the world, and subsequently head of state of 16 countries.
Royal vehicles were seen at a back entrance to the hospital at about 06:00 BST.
It is believed the next time Kate Middleton and Prince William will be seen in public is when they appear on the steps of the hospital with their baby.
Kate Middleton is being tended by a top medical team led by the Queen’s former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who delivered the Countess of Wessex’s two children.
Assisting him is Alan Farthing, the former fiancé of murdered TV presenter Jill Dando and the Queen’s current gynaecologist.
Japanese markets show a little change after PM Shinzo Abe was given a vote of confidence for his economic policy known as “Abenomics”.
As widely predicted, Shinzo Abe has won a majority in parliament’s upper house in Sunday’s elections, according to exit polls.
After climbing 1.2% in early trading, the benchmark Nikkei 225 fell back to be level for the day at about 14,590.
Analysts said the outcome had already been factored into trading strategies.
Since becoming prime minister late last year, Shinzo Abe has introduced policies aimed at ending long-running deflation in Japan and boosting growth.
“We’ve won the public’s support for decisive and stable politics so that we can pursue our economic policies, and we will make sure to live up to the expectations,” Shinzo Abe told public broadcaster NHK after he was projected to win.
Japanese markets show a little change after PM Shinzo Abe was given a vote of confidence for his economic policy
Analysts said Shinzo Abe could now work to implement painful economic reforms referred to as the “Third Arrow” of his set of policies. The first two arrows were an ultra-loose monetary policy and government spending.
“It raises expectations that legislation will pass more easily and he can focus on revitalizing the economy,” said Takuya Takahashi from Daiwa Securities.
Takuya Takahashi added that foreign investors were reacting positively to the prospect of Japan’s first stable government since 2006.
“The likelihood that there will be no national election for the next three years is positive,” he said.
“What investors are looking for is a stable government and they are watching how Abe can tackle deflation.”
Japan has seen much political upheaval because of a “twisted parliament” where the opposition had control of the upper house.
NHK said early on Monday that Shinzo Abe’s Liberal Democratic party and its coalition partner had won a comfortable majority in the chamber.
Shinzo Abe’s policies so far have been well received by investors, with the Nikkei up about 40% this year.
The yen has also weakened in value about 15%, making exporters more profitable.
Analysts said whether the gains in the Nikkei can be extended depends on whether the dramatic structural reforms will go ahead.
